Musings, observations, and written works from the publisher of Eckhartz Press, the media critic for the Illinois Entertainer, co-host of Minutia Men, Minutia Men Celebrity Interview and Free Kicks, and the author of "The Loop Files", "Back in the D.D.R", "EveryCubEver", "The Living Wills", "$everance," "Father Knows Nothing," "The Radio Producer's Handbook," "Records Truly Is My Middle Name", and "Gruen Weiss Vor".
Happy for Lisa Dent. She was named the new afternoon voice at WGN Radio, according to today's Robert Feder column. Steve Bertrand stays aboard as newsman. Anna Devlantas loses her show, but will remain on the staff as a reporter.
The new WGN lineup is...
6 to 10 a.m. Bob Sirott 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. John Williams (including the Wintrust Business Lunch at noon) 2 to 6 p.m. Lisa Dent and Steve Bertrand 6 to 7 p.m. WGN Radio’s Money Matters (airing early 2022) 7 to 10 p.m. John Records Landecker
This week's Minutia Men Celebrity Interview is with actor Dan Butler, ("Bulldog" on Frasier). He's in town for the play "When Harry Met Rehab" https://radiomisfits.com/mmci87/
Lots of good news for us at Eckhartz Press these days. Our latest book (not even released yet) has already been optioned for a movie. From Robert Feder's column this morning...
A new book about the late Chicago White Sox legend Dick Allen has just been optioned for a documentary film. Chili Dog MVP: Dick Allen, The 1972 White Sox and a Transforming Chicago, soon to be published by Chicago-based Eckhartz Press, was written by John Owens and Dr. David Fletcher and edited by veteran sportswriter, baseball historian and author George Castle. (Here is the link to order.) “We look back at this unique time in Chicago history, when the arrival of a controversial slugger lifted the Sox out of a daunting hole and united a fractious fan base during a time when Chicago was going through tremendous changes,” said Owens, a longtime producer and president of the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Allen, who missed induction to Cooperstown by one vote in 2014, is on the 10-person National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Golden Days Era Committee ballot. Andy Billman, the former ESPN producer who directed episodes of the “30 For 30” series, optioned the book and will be with Allen’s family in Orlando for the Hall of Fame vote December 5. A portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to Gilda’s Club Chicago.
For the next two weeks we have a sale (while supplies last) of my EveryCubEver book (2021 edition) at Eckhartz Press. It's 50% off until the end of the month. The new 2022 version (at full price) will be coming out in December. Click here to order.
Born OTD in 1897, Harvey Hendrick. Gink, as he was known, was a utility man in the big leagues for eleven seasons, including one year with the Cubs-1933. Sad ending for Gink. Just a few years after his playing career ended, he shot himself to death at the age of 43. #everyCubeverpic.twitter.com/rUyP5aOnVE
Randy Merkin, operations manager and executive producer of Good Karma Brands ESPN sports/talk WMVP 1000-AM, has just released Behind the Glass: Stories from a Sports Radio Producer. (Here is the link.) Published by Rick Kaempfer and David Stern’s Chicago-based Eckhartz Press, the book highlights Merkin’s encounters with athletes, coaches, journalists and celebrities over his three decades in the business. It also offers an inside look at how radio shows are produced and provides expert advice on how to book big-name guests. Merkin, who got his start in radio at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, worked at One-On-One Sports (later known as Sporting News Radio) before joining ESPN 1000 as executive producer of Tom Waddle and Marc Silverman’s midday show in 2007.
Thanks to everyone who came out to Elgin on Saturday to meet Eckhartz Press author Jim Baumann (Grammar Moses). Jim sold a lot of books while managing to stay safe and follow protocols. He also had a great time.
Our latest book is currently being announced on AM 1000, ESPN Radio. That's because the executive producer of the station is our latest author. Click here to pre-order today.
Here are a few reviews...
“As a new talk show, finding the right executive producer is vital to a show’s long-term success. I can say that the Waddle & Silvy Show has been successful over parts of three decades due, in part, to Randy Merkin. After his sweaty first interview with Waddle, our PD, and me in 2007, Randy quickly established relationships with A-list guests, a trust with Chicago teams, and a quick wit on the air.
Merk is much more than an executive producer & is one of the best storytellers I know. I’ve enjoyed watching him creatively navigate booking the best guests in the business. And, if he’s booked them once, they continue to join us thanks to Merk establishing a trust that few other producers earn. Merk is a pro’s pro, a lifelong friend & radio brother.”
Marc Silverman, Co-Host of the Waddle & Silvy Show, ESPN Radio AM 1000
“Randy is an incredible radio talent. His vast knowledge of the business and bottomless pool of contacts are unmatched. I’ve learned a lot about the business from Randy. His talent is only exceeded by his loyalty and integrity. Randy is the best!!!”
Tom Waddle, Co-Host of the Waddle & Silvy Show, ESPN Radio AM 1000
”In our years together I saw Randy go from green to whatever the opposite is when it comes to experience. I also saw him go from black to grey (now I’m talking hair), maybe from having to deal with us! But when it came to guest booking, I’ve never been with anyone better. My partner, Bob Berger, and I would marvel at his naivete when it came to his guest pursuits, and what he said he could deliver, until he actually DELIVERED! What a great joy it was for us to have those conversations, thanks to Randy’s passion and ‘never take no for an answer approach.’ He was the best!”
Bruce Murray, former host, One-On-One Sports/Sporting News Radio & current host, SiriusXM’s NFL Radio
“After more than 40 years in radio, I can tell you that Randy’s the best. There’s nobody better at booking guests! If there was a Hall of Fame for producers, Randy would get in on the first ballot. The list of those he somehow convinced to come on radio shows is a who’s who’s of the sports world and beyond. I was lucky enough to be in front of the microphone for many of those interviews.”
Bob Berger, former host, One-On-One Sports/Sporting News Radio
“While we cherish champions in the world of sports, we cheer louder for champions in the game of life. Character, integrity and honesty matter. That sums up Randy Merkin.”
James "JB" Brown, Host of NFL Today on CBS and Inside the NFL on Showtime
This week's guest is now the Executive Editor of the Daily Herald. See what the Eckhartz Press bump can do for an author? Fun conversation with Jim Baumann, author of Grammar Moses. https://t.co/YNFtGjtSqT
Journalist Donald Liebenson will interview Glencoe’s own Bob Boone about City U, his most recent book of short stories. Mr. Boone will also read selections from City U and answer questions about his other books of school stories, which, according to Eric Lutz of New City, “sparkle with the feeling of lived experience.”
About Bob Boone: Mr. Boone and his wife have lived in Glencoe since 1969. In addition to his short story collections, he has written a memoir, a sports biography, a literature anthology, and three creative writing books. Bob has taught English in New York City, Germany, and Highland Park. He has also taught in Chicago, where he founded Young Chicago Authors. For his work with city youth, he was presented with an award at the White House by Michelle Obama.
Thanks to Robert Feder for posting this in his column today...
Jim Baumann, managing editor of the Daily Herald, kicks off the media tour for his new book, Grammar Moses: A humorous look at grammar and usage, with two interviews Wednesday. Published by Chicago-based Eckhartz Press, the book is a collection of Baumann’s Sunday columns from the Daily Herald. (Here is the link.) He’ll join Steve Cochran on his “Live From My Office” podcast and Eckhartz Press publishers Rick Kaempfer and Dave Stern on their “Minutia Men Celebrity Interview” podcast. Baumann’s first book signing will be Saturday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. A 36-year veteran of the Daily Herald, Baumann was promoted Tuesday to executive editor, effective with the retirement of top editor John Lampinen in December.
Hard to believe it has been 10 years. What a fun ride. Thanks to all the great authors (80+) who have graced our little label, and the many thousands of you who have purchased and read those books. Dave and I are incredibly grateful. I don’t think either of us thought it would go this well. More book announcements to come, including one this week. Stay tuned!
Born OTD in 1878, Snapper Kennedy. He had one of the all-time great names, but Snapper only played in 1 big league game. That came with the #Cubs on 5/1/1902. He played CF and batted 5 times in a 0-0 12-inning game at West Side Grounds, called because of darkness. #everyCubeverpic.twitter.com/5GaVqM3gSV
Born OTD in 1907, Larry French. He pitched in two WS for Cubs ('35, '38), and memorably owned his own bear cub for a while (which tore his apartment apart), but more memorably served with distinction in WW2 as part of D-Day invasion. Remained in military until 1969. #everyCubeverpic.twitter.com/iKZr3sW4X2
I stretched out my soccer legs this week, appearing on this Australian-based Premier League podcast. Thanks so much to Stu and Paul for having me on. https://t.co/21S0evtWuY@fkadamandrick
Harry has a new play opening up in a few weeks called "When Harry Met Rehab". We talk to him about that and his path to recovery. @MinutiaMenhttps://t.co/eFnGLNwF8v
As we celebrate our 10th annniversary next week, we’d like to take some time to acknowledge the great authors who are part of the Eckhartz Press family. We’ve now published over 70 books. About five years ago, whenever a new author joined our ranks, we began to publish a quick Q&A to introduce them to our audience.
Here are a few dozen of them since 2016, all in one handy easy to access list. They all have great stories to tell…
Super proud that our book Mob Adjacent has been named as a finalist for Book of the Year by the Chicago Writers Association (in the Indy non-fiction category.) Winners will be announced in December.
This month marks our 10th anniversary as a press, and Mob Adjacent is our 10th finalist for Book of the Year.
If you'd like to check out our other BOY finalists, here they are by title. Click on the links to see more.
The following is an excerpt of Robert Feder's interview with Daily Herald managing editor (and now Eckhartz Press author) Jim Baumann. To read the entire article, click here.
Q.How did an occasional memo to the staff morph into a weekly column in the Daily Herald?
A. I was talking to Eileen Brown, our head of marketing and promotion at the time, and she came up with the idea. I wasn’t sure anyone outside our walls would be interested, let alone that such a column could be sustainable. So you have her to blame for what it’s become.
Q.Where do your ideas come from?
A. A journalist is always observant, always listening. When I hear or see something that is either funny or irritating, I know I have something to work with. And, yes, I realize I just ended that last sentence with a preposition. So sue me. When you’re passionate about something – and when you are under pressure to produce – it just comes to you.
Q.English teachers must love you. Do ever hear from any of them?
A. Often. I think former English teachers are my sweet spot. Why? Because they spent their careers trying to teach kids good communication skills and they see a lot of that work undone today. I also try to counsel them that language evolves so their work is not for naught. Wait, can I say “not for naught”?
Q.Why should the average person care about proper grammar?
A. When you write to someone or talk to someone, you want them to understand you. Right? That’s why we invented languages. That’s why we invented frameworks for employing those languages. You can torture them only so much before they don’t work for you anymore. For me, it starts with clear communication.
Q.Have you always been a grammar nerd?
A. That’s a hard no. I was a math and science nerd. My worst test scores were in English. I was a deer in headlights in speech class. I couldn’t parse a sentence to save my life. So, naturally, I pursued a career in journalism and ended up writing about grammar.
Q.When it comes to grammar and usage, what’s your personal pet peeve?
A. A couple things really get under my skin. To have any facility with grammar you need to be a critical thinker. Does “Me and her went shopping” make any sense? Take out the “her.” I think the least skilled of us knows “Me went to the store” sounds like something an unfrozen caveman might say. What’s more bothersome to me is how people who understand grammar and mathematics twist their messages to make you think you’re buying something better than it really is.
Q.What made you come up with the name “Grammar Moses”?
A. I love art. I could spend days in the Louvre, the D’Orsay, the Rijksmuseum, the Art Institute of Chicago. Just ask my long-suffering wife. So Grandma Moses is on my radar. What an inspiring painter. It seemed natural that I’d steal her shtick.
Q.Have social media and texting contributed to the decline of good grammar?
A. We all have back space buttons on our computers and phones, so why don’t we use them? I understand that social media is casual and that texting is even more so. But I’d think choosing from their/there/they’re wouldn’t be too difficult. The whole world can see on Facebook that you can’t put together a sentence. I just don’t think too many people worry about that.
Q.How did you choose the columns for the book?
A. I can count on two hands the number of columns I’ve skipped over six years. Clearly, I don’t have a 1.000 batting average. There have been some clunkers along the way. So I spared you having to read them again. I chose the funniest ones and the ones that addressed the biggest problem areas. I also chose the ones that had the best contributions from my pen pals.
The column is really a conversation with readers, and without that interplay there would be no column and certainly no book. I write a lot about music, and I’ve pointed out that the best greatest hits albums always have a new song or two. That’s the reward for the constant fans who’ve bought all the other albums. So I lead off the book with a smattering of the internal staff memos that were the precursor to the column.
Q.Will reading your book make people smarter?
A. I can’t guarantee it, but I sure hope so. I’m confident it’ll make you smile. What I can guarantee is it won’t make you any less smart.
Q.Are you as funny in person as you are in the book?
A. I’m a laugh riot, Rob.
Naturally, Grammar Moses is available right here at Eckhartz Press. Here's a picture of Jim holding the first copy of his book...
Had this conversation this weekend. When you are fighting against safety precautions, and against trying to end a pandemic, and FOR a lunatic who lies every single day and truly wants to end democracy in this country, and then you have the balls to complain that YOUR freedom is being impugned, there comes a time when we aren't going to listen your crazy-ass shit anymore.
Your chance to meet two Eckhartz Press authors this weekend in Orland Park. Ryan Trembath and Paul M. Banks will be signing and selling their books on Sunday. Details are here: https://t.co/Khf21pzl1R
Born OTD in 1915, Dutch Meyer. On June 23, 1937, Dutch was called on to pinch run for #Cubs catcher Gabby Hartnett in the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. On the next pitch he was eliminated at 2B on a fielders choice groundout. Dutch never played for the Cubs again. #everyCubeverpic.twitter.com/ZFyY4SmfzP
Thanks to Robert Feder for the mention of Roger's impending retirement...
Chicago radio news anchor and reporter Roger Badesch has announced his retirement after more than 16 years on the air at Nexstar Media news/talk WGN 720-AM. He’ll work his last evening shift October 31. “While being on the air in radio has been a lifelong dream of mine, the warm childhood memories of helping take care of our home in Evanston have, unexpectedly, overwhelmed me and are now my primary focus,” he said. “The promise made was that I would completely retire. And so I have.” Earlier this year Badesch released the audio-book version of his acclaimed 2020 memoir, The Unplanned Life: The Journey of Roger Badesch, on Audible.
Of course, The Unplanned Life is an Eckhartz Press book.
